Herbed Roasted Cherry Tomato and Kalamata Olive Pasta Sauce
This delightful Herbed Roasted Cherry Tomato and Kalamata Olive Pasta Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that celebrates the simplicity of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Perfect for a light weeknight dinner or as a mouthwatering side to grilled chicken or veal, this sauce combines the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes with the briny richness of kalamata olives, creating a harmony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Easy to prepare and beautifully aromatic, it's an ideal way to elevate your pasta dishes. Enjoy with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of your best olive oil for a truly Italian experience.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cherry tomatoes
4 pints (washed and stemmed)
onions
2 (peeled and chopped (preferably Vidalia))
garlic
1 head (peeled)
kalamata olives
1 cup (pitted and halved)
whole mushrooms
1/4 lb (cleaned and stemmed)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped (can substitute with 1 tbsp dried thyme))
thyme
1/4 cup (snipped (can substitute with 1 tbsp dried thyme))
sea salt
to taste
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
dried chili pepper flakes
pinch
olive oil
1/3 cup
pasta
1/2 lb (cooked in sea salt and boiling water)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
In a large baking pan, combine the washed and stemmed cherry tomatoes, chopped onions, whole peeled garlic head, halved kalamata olives, and cleaned and stemmed mushrooms.
3
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and a pinch of dried chili pepper flakes. Toss everything gently to coat well with the olive oil.
4
Spread the ingredients evenly in the baking pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the tomatoes start to brown and shrink, and the onions become tender.
5
For a smoother sauce, if preferred, boil a pot of water and immerse the cherry tomatoes for about 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Once cooled, you can easily slip off the skins.
6
While the sauce is roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7
Once the sauce is ready, toss it with the cooked pasta. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh or dried basil and thyme before serving.
8
Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main title of this recipe?
The recipe is for Herbed Roasted Cherry Tomato and Kalamata Olive Pasta Sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
How many pints of cherry tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 4 pints of cherry tomatoes.
What kind of onions are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 peeled and chopped onions, preferably Vidalia.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 1 whole head of garlic, peeled.
What quantity of kalamata olives is needed?
Use 1 cup of kalamata olives, pitted and halved.
How should the mushrooms be prepared?
You need 1/4 lb of whole mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed.
Can I substitute fresh basil in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe notes you can substitute 1/4 cup fresh basil with 1 tablespoon of dried thyme if needed.
How much olive oil is used for the roasting process?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How long should the vegetable mixture roast?
Roast the ingredients in the preheated oven for about 1 hour.
What are the visual cues that the sauce is ready?
The sauce is done when the tomatoes start to brown and shrink, and the onions become tender.
How can I make the sauce smoother?
For a smoother sauce, boil the tomatoes for 1 minute then transfer to an ice bath to easily slip off the skins.
How much pasta should I prepare?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of pasta.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
What spices are used for seasoning?
Season with sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and a pinch of dried chili pepper flakes.
What herbs are added before serving?
Sprinkle fresh or dried basil and thyme before serving for added flavor.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Serve the pasta topped with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for a light weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a light weeknight dinner.
What side dishes pair well with this sauce?
This sauce works as a mouthwatering side to grilled chicken or veal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What is the flavor profile of this sauce?
It combines the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes with the briny richness of kalamata olives.
Is sea salt specified in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists sea salt for seasoning and for the pasta water.
How do I combine the ingredients for roasting?
In a large baking pan, combine tomatoes, onions, garlic, olives, and mushrooms, then drizzle with oil and seasonings.
Can I use dried chili pepper flakes?
Yes, the recipe includes a pinch of dried chili pepper flakes for heat.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese.
Are the tomatoes roasted whole?
Yes, the cherry tomatoes are washed and stemmed but roasted whole.
Is this an Italian style dish?
Yes, it is described as an Italian experience and tagged as an Italian recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a pasta sauce and a vegetable sauce.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include roasted tomatoes, kalamata olives, easy dinner, and fresh ingredients.